Beef and cheese chimichangas are a delicious, crispy, and comforting Mexican-inspired dish. Perfect for any occasion, these golden tortillas filled with seasoned beef and melty cheese offer the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether you're feeding a family or hosting a casual dinner, these chimichangas are sure to satisfy everyone's taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These beef and cheese chimichangas are incredibly easy to make, with minimal prep time. The savory, spiced beef combined with gooey cheese wrapped in a crispy tortilla is simply irresistible. They’re versatile enough to be served for a quick dinner, party snack, or even a fun family meal where everyone can customize their own chimichanga. Plus, they can be fried, baked, or air-fried to suit your preference for a lighter or indulgent option.
Ingredients
-
1 lb ground beef
-
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
-
½ cup diced onion
-
¼ cup diced green chilies
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon chili powder
-
½ teaspoon cumin
-
8 flour tortillas
-
Vegetable oil for frying
-
Sour cream and salsa for serving
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
-
Add the diced onion, green chilies, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin. Cook until the onions are soft and fragrant.
-
Stir in the shredded cheese and cook until it’s melted and combined with the beef mixture.
-
Lay out the tortillas and place a scoop of the beef mixture in the center of each.
-
Fold in the sides of the tortillas and roll them tightly to form chimichangas.
-
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry each chimichanga until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
-
Drain on paper towels and serve hot with sour cream and salsa on the side.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: 4 servings
-
Prep Time: 15 minutes
-
Cook Time: 20 minutes
-
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
-
Baked Chimichangas: For a lighter version, bake the chimichangas at 375°F for about 20 minutes or until crispy.
-
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with seasoned black beans or your favorite plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
-
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or top the chimichangas with hot sauce for extra heat.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Leftover chimichangas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: Reheat chimichangas in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or use the air fryer to crisp them up again for a couple of minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make these chimichangas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef filling and assemble the chimichangas ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to fry or bake them.
2. Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey can be used as a substitute for beef in this recipe.
3. How can I make these chimichangas spicier?
Add diced jalapeños to the filling or sprinkle chili flakes over the top before serving for a spicier version.
4. Can I bake chimichangas instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F for about 20 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. What is the best cheese to use for chimichangas?
A blend of cheddar and Mexican cheeses works great for these chimichangas. You can also use Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
6. How do I get the chimichangas crispy?
Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) when frying, or bake at a high temperature to achieve that crispy texture.
7. Can I freeze chimichangas?
Yes, freeze the un-fried chimichangas in an airtight container. When ready to cook, you can fry or bake them straight from the freezer.
8. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas, but they may break apart more easily. Be sure to warm them slightly before rolling.
9. What are the best toppings for chimichangas?
Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and shredded lettuce are all great toppings for chimichangas.
10. How can I make these chimichangas more filling?
Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or corn to the filling for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
These Beef and Cheese Chimichangas are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful. Whether you're making them for a quick dinner, a family gathering, or a fun snack, they’re sure to be a hit. With the option to fry, bake, or air-fry, this recipe offers flexibility without compromising on taste. Enjoy your meal!
Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Enjoy crispy, flavorful Beef and Cheese Chimichangas, a perfect combination of savory ground beef, melty cheese, and spices wrapped in a golden, crispy tortilla. These chimichangas are great for any occasion—whether it's a quick dinner, a party snack, or a fun family meal. Fry, bake, or air-fry them to suit your taste!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
½ cup diced onion
¼ cup diced green chilies
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
8 flour tortillas
Vegetable oil for frying
Sour cream and salsa for serving
Instructions
Instructions:
-
Cook the Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
-
Add Vegetables & Spices: Add the diced onion, green chilies, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin. Cook until the onions are soft and fragrant.
-
Melt the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheese and cook until it's melted and fully combined with the beef mixture.
-
Assemble the Chimichangas: Lay out the tortillas and place a scoop of the beef mixture in the center of each. Fold in the sides and roll them tightly.
-
Fry the Chimichangas: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry each chimichanga until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
-
Serve: Drain on paper towels, then serve hot with sour cream and salsa on the side.
Notes
- Baked Version: Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes until golden and crispy for a lighter version.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or top with hot sauce for extra spice.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F or in the air fryer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
